Casella buys Shaw Family Vintners

Casella Family Brands has added Shaw Family Vintners to its growing portfolio.

The Shaw family planted its first vines in South Australia in 1976 and has become one of the largest owners of vineyards in the premium cool climate regions of McLaren Vale and Currency Creek in South Australia.
Among the labels Shaw Family Vintners produces are Stonemason, Steeple Jack and premium brands, Single Vineyard, Emetior and RMS.

The business went onto the market early last year after failing to find an equity partner.

At the time, The Australian Financial Review speculated "the vineyards alone could be worth more than $10 million."

The financial terms of the sale are confidential, but it includes the purchase of the vineyards - 432 hectares of vineyards across Fleurieu Peninsula, comprising 42 hectares in McLaren Vale and 390 hectares in Currency Creek - winery, stock and trademark.

John Casella, Managing Director Casella Family Brands said: “This is primarily a strategic investment in a large quantity of high quality vineyards. As we currently buy approximately 40% of the fruit supply from these sites it increases efficiencies and adds another dimension to our portfolio of already established vineyards. The fruit is well suited to CFB’s portfolio of premium wines characterised by having rich fruit flavours with intense colour; it therefore supports our ongoing premiumisation strategy and desire to create regionally distinct wines from premium South Australian wine regions.”

In a statement, Casella said: "Under the management of Peter Bird, SA Vineyard Manager, Casella Family Brands intends to further unlock the vineyards full potential."

Peter Bird added: “This acquisition makes perfect sense for Casella as it increases our grape to glass control and therefore quality assurance in our premium wines. Furthermore, it spreads the risk of fruit supply being adversely affected by climatic conditions elsewhere within South Australia.”

John Casella commented: “Our relationship with growers continues to be of paramount importance and they remain integral to all of our brands; [yellow tail], Brand’s Laira, Morris Wines and Peter Lehmann Wines. As our company continues to grow, our grower supply base is also expanding. It is an exciting time for the company as we increase our footprint in South Australia through both owned and grower sourced fruit supply.”